Can reflexology maintain or improve the well-being of people with Parkinson's Disease?
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
This study explored whether reflexology could improve or sustain the wellbeing of people with Parkinosn's Disease [PD] using the PDQ39 wellbeing tool designed specifically for use with people with PD. The treatmnt protocal involved giving 8 therapy sessions to 16 people with varying derees of PD in a cross-over design to enable a longitudinal survey of impact. Whilst the results reflected the progressive nature of PD deterioration over time there was an improvement in wellbeing over the active therapy phase. These results suggest that continuous two- three weekly reflexology may limit further deteroration or maintain improvement of wellbeing. A further study is indicated to study this hypothesis.
Key Findings: what this pilot study found
- ✓Participants showed improvement in wellbeing during the active reflexology therapy phase, as measured by the PDQ39 tool designed specifically for Parkinson's Disease.
- ✓Continuous reflexology sessions administered two to three times weekly may help limit further deterioration or maintain improvement of wellbeing in people with Parkinson's Disease.
- ✓The study used a cross-over design with 16 Parkinson's Disease patients receiving 8 therapy sessions, allowing for longitudinal assessment of reflexology's impact over time.
What This Means for You
This small pilot study suggests reflexology may help maintain or improve well-being in Parkinson's Disease, but larger studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions.
What This Means for Practitioners
This pilot data supports offering reflexology as a complementary therapy for Parkinson's clients, with best results appearing when sessions are continued regularly at 2-3 weekly intervals.
Study Design: how this pilot study was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This small pilot study suggests reflexology may help maintain or improve well-being in Parkinson's Disease, but larger studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions.
What did this study find?
Participants showed improvement in wellbeing during the active reflexology therapy phase, as measured by the PDQ39 tool designed specifically for Parkinson's Disease. Continuous reflexology sessions administered two to three times weekly may help limit further deterioration or maintain improvement of wellbeing in people with Parkinson's Disease. The study used a cross-over design with 16 Parkinson's Disease patients receiving 8 therapy sessions, allowing for longitudinal assessment of reflexology's impact over time.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 16 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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